Editor's note: In light of the violence that has struck Muskegon Heights, especially recently, MLive Muskegon Chronicle asked some leaders in that community to provide statements with their thoughts, and what they would like people to know. The fourth is from Muskegon Heights City Councilwoman Patrice Johnson.

Patrice JohnsonContributed

I was rushing, trying to make it to the high school before 5:30.

OK, I was going to be late. I pulled out of my driveway, looked down Glendale Street and it seemed like a normal day. Sun gracefully reminding me that I should be grateful. My small dog in the window barking hysterically because he wanted to go, too. The grass across the way at my neighbor's house was perfect, he waved at me, and I smiled. I drove down to the stop sign, passed a few small children, faces I've seen on this route before. It was a regular Wednesday, the Sports Banquet, I was on my way to, would have the same food it did last year ... all was well.

But, my heart halted with concern as I came to several students and neighbors standing about the corner of Glendale and Rotterdam. I looked to the left, past the crowd, beyond the yellow tape, and I could see his basketball jacket and the stain of blood -- an image that is still locked into my memory. That day, April 23rd, was another day in this nightmare.

It was a nightmare. The death of a student I saw every day. A life that grew to be bold on a basketball court but gentle yet humorous in the classroom. It is, unfortunately, not something we can wake up from in the morning. We wake up to a reality of unfulfilled purpose. So many young men who have been murdered or committed the act of murder will not complete their God-given purpose and for that reason I'm heartbroken and our city, like most urban communities around the country, are broken.

The crime is the interruption of their purpose. Who they were, who they could be, what degrees they could have earned, the fathers they would have been, the communities they may have led. The obstacles they would have gone beyond. The change they would have created.

The city of Muskegon Heights is not in a financial crisis; we have successfully navigated debt elimination and currently hold a fund balance of $1.6 million, which is steadily climbing. We have communicated with local businesses as they expand and continue their long history in our community. Mona Lake Park has become a county asset where everyone can experience its beauty.

The city of Muskegon Heights has a communal crisis.

Do you know your neighbor; do you know the Marquis, Kentae, or D'Metrius that reside on your block, or live down your street? Say hello to them, demonstrate a level of compassion, and invite them in to watch the game or eat ... tacos? In order to meet this challenge – the ugly heads of miseducation, poverty, and the production of violence -- we must be as intentional, violently loving, and unsatisfied as it is. We must be willing and determined to develop a community all over again.

For example, Councilwoman Kimberly Sims invited a very excitable and curious little girl into her home on Ninth Street almost 18 years ago. Initially, the little girl befriended her daughter because they were around the same age and are still friends today. After years of love, attention, teaching, correction, and modeling, the little girl became a part of the family and watched "Te Te Kim," as she affectionately called her, run for city council several times. She helped fold her leaflets and put them on cars early on Sunday morning. The neighborhood relationship resulted into Kim helping develop someone who is just as passionate about Muskegon Heights as she is ... me. Now, we collectively as city councilwomen advocate for a community we believe has great potential and is simply a "secret garden."

I reflect on how the impact of people who really cared about my purpose and that of others made me a leader. People like Kim, Paula Holmes-Greeley, Robert Moore. Those people are the blueprint to my solution to our communal crisis. At some point, we will need to treat others as if they are our sons, daughters, nieces, or nephews, mothers and fathers. Our community will only survive if it is ridden of selfish intent and roots itself in acts of love. Policy has been written, but love will change the city.